Doha, July 16 (QNA) - Qatargas, the World's Premier LNG Company, on Tuesday announced a historic milestone as it successfully delivered the 3,000th Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) cargo to Japan since the first ever Qatari shipment was delivered to Kawagoe LNG Receiving Terminal on 10th January 1997. Commenting on this historic achievement, HE Minister of State for Energy Affairs, President and CEO of Qatar Petroleum, and Chairman of Qatargas Board of Directors En. Saad bin Sherida Al Kaabi said: "We are delighted to celebrate the 3000th LNG delivery to Japan. This significant milestone comes over two decades following the first delivery to our foundation customer in Japan. Qatar, as the largest LNG producer in the world, is committed to delivering LNG safely and reliably to our customers across the globe." HE Minister Al-Kaabi added: "Qatargas' commitment to serving Japan's energy needs has never been stronger. We are focused on boosting future cooperation with Japan, and building even stronger relations with our Japanese customers and friends." For his part, HE Chief Executive Officer of Qatargas Khalid bin Khalifa Al-Thani said: "Utilizing our flexible and reliable operations, we celebrate the uninterrupted supply of this 3000th LNG cargo to Japan, which is a major milestone reflecting the relationship between Qatargas and our esteemed Japanese customers. This delivery demonstrates Qatargas' commitment to continue providing Japan, and all of our customers around the globe, with a safe and reliable source of clean energy." The 3000th LNG cargo, which was transported onboard 'Al Jasra', a conventional LNG vessel with a capacity of 135,000 cubic metres, was delivered to JERA, a joint venture between Chubu Electric and Tokyo Electric. The cargo was delivered to the Kawagoe LNG Receiving Terminal, owned and operated by JERA. Qatargas has term contracts to supply LNG with many of the key Japanese buyers including JERA, Tohoku Electric, Kansai Electric, Chugoku Electric, Tokyo Gas, Osaka Gas, Toho Gas and Shizuoka Gas. Apart from these term contracts, Qatargas also delivers a significant amount of Japan's spot LNG requirements. Qatargas, established in 1984, pioneered the Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) industry in Qatar and today is the largest producer of LNG in the world with an annual production capacity of 77 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) from its world-class facilities in Ras Laffan Industrial City, Qatar. Since the first production in 1996, Qatargas has successfully delivered cargos to 31 countries and is committed to meeting the world's demand for safe, reliable and clean energy. Through its operational excellence, Qatargas is adding value to its production chain, contributing to the Qatari economy and Qatar's National Vision 2030 to ensure efficient energy supplies for the country, creating new markets and contributing to the local community. In addition to the LNG facilities, Qatargas operates the Jetty Boil-Off Gas facility, Al Khaleej Gas, two Helium Plants, the two Laffan Refineries (among the largest condensate refineries in the world), and the Ras Laffan Terminal on behalf of all shareholders. (QNA)